Highlights

MAY 2015 How this picture is helping to lure Dutch medics to Highland BID TO RECRUIT DOCTORS IN THE NETHERLANDS: SEE PAGE 8 MEMO TO STAFF: Spare a second or two to thank our Good Samaritans It’s (thank our) Volunteers Week ICTURED at the By Tom Davison International Communications manager P N u rs e s D a y THANK YOU! stand in Raigmore That’s the message Hospital are the assis- to the dozens of tant nurse manager for medicine, Brendan For- good people who man, and bereavement volunteer their ser- officer Claire McCall. vices to make The stand included things better for art work from Inshes NHS Highland’s pa- Primary School, Inver- tients and service ness, depicting what users. they think a nurse National Volun- does ... a great job! teers’ Week runs Members of staff from 1st-7th June, and were asked to vote for NHS Highland direc- their favourite picture tor of adult care Jan and the winners will be announced in a future Baird sees it as an issue of Highlights. Continued on page 2 - - Thanks to NHS Highland’s volunteers Continued from front page George Beange ideal opportunity to praise the (right) honoured many Good Samaritans who give up their times to help others. his pledge to his She explained: “I know many late wife by doing people who do voluntary work with us may not read Highlights, voluntary work. so won’t read my personal thanks And while there to them. That’s why I’d urge our staff to make a special point of may be no such saying ‘Thank you’ to any volun- teers they meet in the course of thing as a typical the week. volunteer they “Volunteering is a great thing, not least when it involves meeting all deserve our and supporting people who may thanks, says be unwell or in challenging cir- cumstances. I’m immensely NHS Highland’s proud of our growing team of vol- director of adult unteers; they all deserve our ad- miration and thanks.” care, Jan Baird So what do these volunteers do? in a positive way. Together, they “I really enjoy it,” George said. If you work in Raigmore Hospi- represent a wide range of life and “It’s given me an interest, makes tal, you may well have come work experience.” me feel useful and has given me across volunteer patient visitors: And it’s his wide range of life the opportunity to meet lots of people who befriend patients, and work experience that 76-year people. I get something out of it, some of whom may be lonely, -old George Beange taps into in and I think the people I speak to while they’re in hospital. There his volunteering roles of mealtime do too. And I know that if I do are also volunteers who provide a helper in Raigmore’s orthopae- things like clear some space on a similar service in some of our patient’s table to make way for care homes. You may also have their meal, I’m freeing time for come across volunteer mealtime hospital staff to do other, perhaps helpers, volunteers in the NHS more important, things.” Highland chaplaincy service or It’s perhaps understandable one of our breastfeeding peer that there are some sensitivities supporters: people who give ad- about what volunteers do. No vice and moral support to breast- dics ward and patient visitor both matter what roles they fulfil, Ian feeding mums. there and in the stroke unit. McConnell points out: “No volun- And who are the volunteers? George, a retired university teers work for NHS Highland.” NHS Highland volunteer ser- technician, said that before his As he explains: “Volunteers do vice manager Ian McConnell ex- wife Norma died in 2013 she not replace members of staff in plained that there’s no such thing urged him to keep himself busy any way. But they do make a val- as a typical volunteer. by doing volunteering work. ued contribution which serves “We have a very diverse vol- George agreed, and not long af- their own needs and motivations unteering pool,” said Ian. “We ter Norma passed away he while enhancing the patient ex- have everything from young peo- phoned Raigmore to ask if the perience provided. ple who are thinking about pursu- hospital took volunteers. A chat They bring qualities that can ing a career in healthcare to older with Ian resulted in an enduring add to the services we provide people who are looking to use commitment by George to make within NHS Highland – and for their experience and spare time his services available. that they deserve our thanks.” - 2 - Just champion!

CHEST Heart & Stroke Scotland much out of the befriending as he recognise their Cardiac & Respi- C&RSS volunteers does! I am really enjoying spend- ratory Support Service (C&RSS) are thanked ing time with my client as he is volunteers as Champions of the fascinating.” organisation and are celebrating for their ‘fantastic Paul Okroj, volunteering devel- the fantastic contribution these contribution’ opment manager, said: volunteers make to people who “Volunteering mobilises people to have chest and heart illness support one another making a big across the Highlands. newsletter and the befriending difference to everyone’s lives in Volunteers Week (1st-7th June) service. local communities. We really ap- is an annual celebration thanking One of the befriending volun- preciate all their hard work and volunteers for their support. The teers, Barbara McKee, has been the contribution they have made charity values the enormous con- volunteering with the C&RSS in to the charity’s success – we tribution of its Champions and will Inverness for over eight months. couldn’t do it without them!” be holding celebrations through- She said “I like meeting people June McLeod, C&RSS local co out the week. and I love the idea of helping. -ordinator, said: “It is wonderful to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland have volunteers like Barbara; her works in partnership with NHS clients think the world of her. We Highland to bring the C&RSS to are also hugely grateful to Pro- people living with a long-term fessor Stephen Leslie, consultant heart or chest condition such as cardiologist, and Mandi Smith, heart failure or COPD. For many lead heart failure nurse at NHS people, a long-term condition can Highland, for their referrals and leave them feeling isolated and Since retiring I didn’t want to sit genuine support of our service. lonely at times. The C&RSS and do nothing so I decided to To find out more about volun- helps clients overcome that feel- volunteer and I am really enjoying teering opportunities please visit ing of loneliness through, infor- it. I like the fact that I am able to www.chss.org.uk/volunteering or mation and understanding of their bring happiness into my clients call the Volunteer Enquiry Line on condition, support groups, a life, but to be honest I get as 0800 169 5139. Promoting quality of life for people in care homes FIFTEEN care homes in North Highland are taking life of older people living in care homes by support- part in the ‘My Home Life’ management and leader- ing practitioners to use different tools and different ship programme, a UK-wide initiative to promote ways of working. It encourages managers to en- quality of life for those living, dying, visiting and gage in “caring conversations” with everyone con- working in care homes. nected to the service. Residents’ needs and wishes The programme is evidenced-based, following ex- remain at the heart of the home and ‘My Home Life’ tensive research within 60 care homes which identi- recognises it is important for staff, families and visi- fied the following best practice themes: maintaining tors also to have a sense of belonging. identity; creating community; sharing decision mak- Six months into the programme, feedback from ing; managing transitions; improving health and everyone involved, including residents, has been health care; supporting good end-of-life care; keep- very positive. Managers report feeling more confi- ing the workforce fit for purpose; promoting positive dent in day-to-day work and have enjoyed working culture. in a more inclusive way, which has affected the The programme aims to improve the quality of feeling and culture of care homes. - 3 - Planned works at hospital clears government hurdle

By Erin Greig NHS Highland head of estates Kevin Minnock, project director Communications manager Eric Green explained that govern- capital projects said: “This is the ment approval of the outline busi- latest phase in a three-year pro- WORK on Raigmore Hospital’s ness case for the work was an ject to upgrade Raigmore which critical care upgrade took a big important step in the process. has already seen a series of on- step forward this month with He said: “Bringing together the going improvement works being the Scottish Government ap- hospital’s critical care facilities carried out including the refur- proving the outline business will bring a whole range of bene- bishment of some of the wards case submitted by NHS High- fits for patients. Approval of the and the provision of a new, state- land. outline business case allows us of-the-art endoscopy unit. The upgrade will bring all criti- to really go forward with develop- “While current services meet cal care services, which includes ing the design of the ground and the standards required this over- the Acute Medical Assessment first floors, identifying the equip- all investment will greatly improve Unit, the Intensive Care Unit, ment that bests suits our needs the facilities and ensures that we SHDU, theatre and the admis- and allowing the project to pro- can deliver first-class healthcare sions area, into one area over gress to a more detailed stage.” in modern facilities for years to two floors. The original building at Raig- come.” The operating theatres at the more was constructed in 1980. The full business case will be hospital will be refurbished and Graham Construction was re- presented to the NHS Highland an additional theatre will be cently appointed as the principal board in Oct/Nov 2015 before added to bring the total number supply chain partner for the esti- going to the government for final within the theatre unit to 10. mated £26 million upgrade. approval. - 4 - New phone helpline should be big benefit to IBD patients By Andrew Devlin Highland and Crohn’s and Colitis Communications manager UK – the helpline will be a huge benefit to those who need it most. A NEW telephone helpline is “It will prove to be a valuable being launched to help im- resource for people who are look- Jamieson, and a second IBD prove the delivery of care ing for help, advice and support,” specialist nurse, Mhairi Fraser. throughout the Highlands and said Paul Johnston (right) a 46- Dr Jamieson, who returned Islands for those living with year-old police officer from Inver- north to his native Inverness after Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative ness. “As someone who lives a spell at Glasgow’s Royal Infir- Colitis – the two main forms of with an IBD condition, I found that mary, said: “One of our aims is to inflammatory bowel disease having easy access to reliable use technology to allow people to (IBD). information made a huge differ- easily access information and The helpline has been estab- ence. If I wasn’t able to find out support on their condition, and lished with support from Crohn’s exactly what was happening or the IBD hotline is central to that. and Colitis UK, and will give pa- what course of action I should It will enable us at Raigmore to tients and health professionals take in certain circumstances, it respond in a timely manner to rapid access, support and advice added to my stress levels – which any questions or concerns people to help patients better manage could cause a flare-up. For the may have.” their condition. 600 or so people living in High- NHS Highland chief executive Patients can call 01463 land with IBD, I think they’ll find Elaine Mead said: “This is an- 705167 to access the helpline, this service extremely helpful.” other fantastic example of how and video clinics will also be The service will include a web we can see real innovation when available to ensure a rapid con- application, which was developed we listen to patients and work sultation without the need to by NHS Highland consultant sur- together to design services. travel great distances – such a geon Angus Watson and Forres- “I am also delighted that we vital tool for people living in re- based company Open Brolly, and have been able to recruit to these mote and rural parts of the north the pilot study was funded by clinical posts. The approach be- of Scotland. Crohn’s and Colitis UK. ing taken will make such a differ- According to one of the patient In order to deliver this im- ence and I am really grateful to representatives on the Highland proved service, the IBD depart- everyone for their continued ef- Pilot Group – an organisation ment at Raigmore has recruited a forts and commitment to develop consisting of staff from NHS fifth gastroenterologist, Dr Neil care here in Highland.” Fire and rescue service in recruitment drive THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is continuing Kilchoan, Kinlochewe, Kinlochleven, Lochaline, its ongoing efforts to recruit retained firefighters in Lochcarron, Mallaig, Raasay and Uig. the Highlands. In the services Highland Central area there are Anyone interested in learning more should check vacancies in Cannich, Beauly, Drumnadrochit, Foy- out the MyJobScotland portal: ers, Fort Augustus, Kingussie and Grantown on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk. Spey. There are also vacancies in the services Recruitment opportunities are available through- Highland North area, at Bettyhill, Bonar Bridge, out the service’s Highland West area, at Acharacle, Dunbeath, Durness, Invergordon, John O’Groats, Achiltibuie, Applecross, Aultbea, Fortrose, Glenelg, Kinlochbervie, Lochinver, Scourie and Tongue. - 5 - COURSE providing an up- participation of human subjects, date on Good Clinical Prac- and compliance with this standard tice (GCP) is to be held in Good clinical provides public assurance that A th Inverness on Wednesday 17 the rights, safety and wellbeing of June. trial subjects are protected and To take place from 11am-12 practice event that the clinical trial data is credi- noon in Meeting Room 2 in the ble. Centre for Health Science, the tice) training, and ensure that their GCP training is a contractual course will be presented by Dr GCP knowledge is updated every obligation for some staff on some Stuart McCully. two years. trials and where it is not complet- All staff involved in clinical tri- GCP is an international ethical ing the training is still strongly als are recommended to under- and scientific quality standard for recommend. take Good Clinical Practice (also designing, conducting, recording To apply for the course email known as Good Research Prac- and reporting trials involving the [email protected] Holyrood loneliness inquiry visits Islay SOCIAL media savvy young people and a ceilidh attended by more than 100 senior citi- zens helped MSPs to under- stand how to tackle loneliness and isolation in remote island communities, when the Scot- tish Parliament’s Equal Oppor- tunities Committee visited Islay earlier this month. The committee’s two-day visit came as it continues its age and isolation inquiry. Since launching the inquiry earlier this year, the committee has heard views from young people and older people at Port Ellen’s Cybercafé, where than physical inactivity or obesity. across Scotland, experiencing local young people told commit- Maintaining good social relation- loneliness, and the organisations tee members about the issues ships is good for our health but working to support them. that matter to them. many people find this difficult, for The committee’s Islay visit Alison McGrory, health im- example if they have moved to a aimed to understand the unique provement principal from NHS new area or if they are getting challenges that could come with Highland, said: “I am delighted to older and find it difficult to get out living in a remote island setting. see the Scottish Parliament tak- and about. As well as a formal evidence ing an interest in social isolation “This inquiry is raising aware- session with local people, the and loneliness. ness of the issue and encourag- committee met more than 100 “It is a little-known fact that ing those working in health and local people at a ceilidh and loneliness causes more health social care to raise the issue of hosted a relaxed, informal lunch problems and premature death loneliness.’’ - 6 - Pupils produce gift for hospital

By Tom Davison Communications manager

A COLOURFUL wooden box covered with locks is set to provide a key activity for hos- pital patients with learning dif- ficulties and dementia. And it's all thanks to two Suth- erland teenagers. Dornoch Academy pupils Luis Steven and Charlie-Jack Meeres made the box over the course of several months as part of their work towards obtaining a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Staff at Migdale Hospital in Bonar Bridge had told the hospi- tal's chaplain, Karl Weidner, that they had read that what is known as a 'lock box' could provide a useful activity for some patients. Wearing his other hat, as Reli- gious and Moral Education teacher, Mr Weidner took the idea back to Dornoch Academy – and started the two pupils on a new project. And last week Luis visited the Dornoch Academy pupil Luis Stevens presents the 'box of lox' to staff hospital to present what staff nurse Adele Gallagher. With them are hospital chaplain Karl Weidner, staff nurse Charlene Hercher and student nurse Avean Nicholson there are calling a 'box of lox' to staff nurse Adele Gallagher. clasps to operate, and I am sure though sourcing the different kind Adele, who works in the hospi- some of our patients will love it.” of locks in Dornoch proved a little tal's Strathy Ward, Said: “We Luis explained that that he and difficult.” sometimes find difficulties provid- his schoolmate made the box in Adele added: “The hospital ing interesting and engaging ac- their own time during school has benefited from many very tivities for patients – particularly hours, and were determined to kind gestures from members of men – who have learning difficul- make it a gift to last. the community, particularly young ties or dementia. This 'box of lox' “We made it with interlocking people, and this is another exam- is just the trick: it's colourful, joints to make it stronger,” said ple. We're really grateful to the sturdy, has a variety of locks and Luis. “We enjoyed doing it – al- boys and the school for this gift.” - 7 - By Tom Davison Communications manager PRESENTING the past has a big future. At least that’s the message from an exhibition on nursing in the Highlands. Nursing an Held last month in the High- land Archive Centre, Inverness, the exhibition was intended for anyone with an interest in or association with nursing or nurse training. It used photographs, docu- interest in ments and other records from the NHS Highland Archive – which is stored in the centre – as well as from the Highland Council’s historic collections and elsewhere. And archivist Colin Waller the past... said the afternoon exhibition was a “tremendous success”, with around 85 people turning up to view the material. “It went exceptionally well,” said Colin. “The big searchroom at the centre was absolutely humming, with many former nurses among those who at- tended.” Colin said that particularly popular were the old class pic- tures from the Eden Court Nurses Training School. “We even had someone identify her mother-in-law, who is now in her 80s, from a class picture from the 1950s,” said Colin. As a result of the event, Colin Dozens turn out to view said there had been some addi- tions to the NHS Highland Ar- chive, with more promised. Highland nursing archives Another spin-off was that several people had signed up to at centre’s exhibition give oral histories of their time in nursing. These will be recorded NHS Highland’s board secre- repeated that call following last and archived. tary, Kenny Oliver, has previ- month’s exhibition. The NHS Highland Archive is ously appealed through High- “We’d like to ensure that ma- one of the biggest of its kind in lights for members of staff to terial that would be of interest to the country – and there are look out any old records or pho- members of staff, the general hopes that it could get even big- tographs that may be languish- public, academics and social, ger. ing in their workplace, and he Continued on next page

- 8 - Nursing exhibition at archive centre

Continued from previous page Kenny added: “The success chive Centre, Bught Road, In- local and family historians is ar- of last month’s exhibition shows verness, IV2 5SS. Catalogues chived properly,” he said. that there is a huge appetite for and hearing aids are available “I would urge employees to material of this sort. Let’s try to and qualified staff are always on check in their drawers and cup- ensure that our archive contin- hand to help. boards at work for anything that ues to grow and improve.” If you know of material which should be preserved for future The NHS Highland Archive should be archived, contact generations. If they find any- can be accessed in the public Kenny Oliver on 01463 704868 thing, they should contact me.” searchroom at the Highland Ar- or at [email protected] Information Patients get event on celiac disease PEOPLE living with coeliac disease in the Inverness area had the op- alerts by text portunity to attend an information event earlier this month. By Erin Greig appointment is. We understand The event, held in the Centre for Communications manager how challenging it can be to get Health Science, was targeted at through your daily to-do list, people who live with the disease but it was also hoped it would raise PATIENTS across Highland that’s why we’ve created re- awareness of the condition in the can now be reminded about minder services to help you man- local area. their out-patient appointment age your health and remember Lisa Macleman, gastroenterol- by text message in a new ser- your appointment.” ogy specialist dietitian for NHS vice that started this month. Mrs Smith added that by im- Highland, organised the informa- The Patient Reminder Service plementing this service the DNA tion event along with colleagues covers all hospital out-patient (did not attend) rate was ex- Adele Robertson and Claire Cam- appointments, with the exemp- pected to reduce. eron, and it was also supported by tion of oncology, obstetrics, so- She said: “To help us with this the local Coeliac UK Highland cial gynaecology, substance mis- we need to hold your current mo- Group. Lisa explained: “We organised use, mental health and smoking bile number. If you would like to this event as we wanted to let peo- cessation, and will remind pa- take advantage of this service ple with coeliac disease know more tients about their appointment 24 please call the number on your about what was available for them hours in advance. appointment letter. and also to hear from them what Donna Smith, project man- “If you would prefer not to re- they thought of the service we pro- ager – operations for NHS High- ceive text reminders please call vided and what, if anything, we land, explained that patients us on 0800 731 1304 and you could change for the better.” would automatically be included can opt out of the Patient Re- The event’s packed programme in this new service if NHS High- minder Service. included information on how to land held their mobile number. “We acknowledge that there monitor the disease and a detailed look at the patient journey from She said: “This service will be may be some initial teething diagnosis to discharge. of benefit to both patients and problems which we will aim to There were opportunities for the organisation. The benefit to resolve as quickly as possible those attending to provide feed- our patients is this will greatly but would ask for patience and back on the current service and reduce the likelihood of them for- understanding while the system there was a question-and-answer getting when their out-patient beds in.” session. - 9 - Going

Dutch A Highland scene used in the Dutch adverting NHS Highland advertising doctor vacancies in the Netherlands

By Tom Davison and has a population of 320,000. She had holidayed with her Communications manager As well as the main district gen- family in the Scottish Highlands in eral hospital in Inverness, there the 1980s and moved to the area DOCTORS in the Netherlands are 23 other hospitals in the au- to work with a voluntary organisa- are being targeted in a recruit- thority’s area. tion in Inverness before taking ment campaign by NHS High- NHS Highland is expanding its her present job in Raigmore Hos- land. workforce and is recruiting to the pital. Inverness now has a regular following specialties: oncology, She said easily accessible direct flight link to Schiphol air- radiology, rheumatology, anaes- childcare facilities and flexibility in port, and NHS Highland believes thetics, neurology, ophthalmol- her working arrangements were doctors in Holland may be inter- ogy, urology, paediatrics, psy- two significant factors in her ested in pursuing a career in chiatry, general surgeons and working in Inverness. what is one of the most beautiful physicians, oral & maxillofacial NHS Highland has advertised parts of the United Kingdom. surgery, trauma & orthopaedics, doctor vacancies in a major Chief executive Elaine Mead and obstetrics & gynaecology. Dutch newspaper and is also be- said: “Ours is a beautiful area NHS Highland consultant pae- hind a major recruitment cam- where the quality and pace of life diatrician Dr Philine van der paign for GPs to work in some of are exactly what many profes- Heide moved from the Nether- its more remote and rural com- sional people are looking for. lands to Inverness 10 years ago, munities. “We already have a multi- and says she’s sure some of her The recruitment campaign fea- cultural workforce and actively compatriots in the medical pro- tures a dedicated website, http:// seek to recruit people from out- fession would be interested in nhshighland-rural.scot.nhs.uk/ side the UK. following her path. why-rural/, which details GP va- “The fact that there are now “There is a quality of life here cancies and explains some of the regular flights between Amster- that you simply would not get in many benefits of practising in the dam and Inverness might help to the Netherlands,” the mother-of- Highlands’ remote and rural com- persuade doctors and other pro- two said. “You don’t really get a munities. fessionals in Holland to consider rat race here. NHS Highland is being sup- working with us.” “Also, I love the outdoors and ported in its work by the Scottish With a population of around living in a beautiful rural area. I Government through the ‘Being 72,000, Inverness is one of the think Scotland is one of the most Here’ programme, with £1.5 mil- UK’s fastest-growing cities. Its beautiful places I have been to, lion having been granted to the modern district general hospital and it is very diverse.”” health board to devise and test has around 500 beds and serves Dr van der Heide, who is from innovative ways of recruiting a very wide geographical area. Apeldoorn, worked in a hospital healthcare professionals, and NHS Highland’s area covers 42 in Amsterdam before moving to particularly GPs, in remote and per cent of Scotland’s land mass, Scotland. rural areas. - 10 - Endowment cash Mental health conference

APPLICATIONS are being in- bids now invited vited from people to attend the seventh annual NHS Highland APPLICATIONS for 2015/16 re- sor, educational training, training Mental Health Conference, to search, development and inno- for service improvement, backfill be held at The Drumossie Ho- tel, Inverness, on Thursday, vation endowment funding can or other such activity. th now be submitted. The endowment is for research 25 June. A sum of £20,000 has been activities and costs. The event will in- clude presentations by Dr awarded for this year's endow- If you want to discuss this fur- James Finlayson, Karen Mar- ment, and projects will be funded ther or want help in completing a tin and Gillian Davies, and up to £3000. The main applicant funding application form, contact workshops covering topics should be from the NHS, but col- R&D manager Frances Hines. Ap- such as Revalida- laborative projects with universi- plicants will require two peer re- tion, Pathways to Work and ties or other bodies are wel- views for their application other- Mindfulness for Carers. Some comed. wise it will not be considered by workshops will cover older The main function of the en- NHS Highland’s R&D Committee. adults and dementia care. dowment is to support small-scale Application forms and guidance The conference is primarily research, pilot or feasibility stud- notes can be found on the RD&I aimed at mental health profes- sionals, although applications ies that may have a direct impact page on the NHS Highland Intra- will be welcome from anyone for Highland, and which are likely net under the heading Staff > Re- with an interest in mental to result in publications and sub- search and Development. Em- health care. mission for larger funding. ployees who do not have access To apply for a place, e-mail There is also the possibility of to the intranet should email High- funding for attendance at a con- [email protected] who UHB.MentalHealthConference ference but only where a paper is will forward a copy. [email protected], remembering to include your contact details, being given and NHS Highland The closing date for applica- th employs the delegate. tions is 26th June. no later than 12 June. Endowment funding does not If money remains after the first Confirmation of your place will be sent by e-mail on or pay for student fees, travel to uni- call a second call will take place before 19th June. versity to see academic supervi- later in 2015. Work gets under way on new dialysis unit CONSTRUCTION of the new di- mendous. In addition, I would like have trained staff in place locally alysis unit in Campeltown Hospi- to thank Transplant Life UK and as well. tal started this month and is ex- the British Kidney Patient Asso- “This part of the project is also pected to be completed in July. ciation for their very generous continuing very positively with the And thanks have been ex- donations.” training of the four nurses pro- pressed to the local community “This phase of the project is gressing to the second stage for the role they have played in very exciting as we can all now within Vale of Leven Hospital, the project. see that there will soon be an end where they will meet and work Kristin Gillies, NHS Highland to the long journeys that dialysis with the local patients prior to the service planning manager, said: patients have had to make to the patients being treated in Camp- “I would like to put on record NHS Vale of Leven. beltown.” Highland’s thanks to the local She added: “The alteration Duncan MacGregor Joiners community of Kinytre for all of works are obviously the main ele- and Builders Ltd, from Tarbert, their donations, which has to- ment to this project but at the won the tender to construct the talled £100,000. This is really tre- same time it is essential that we new unit. - 11 - Milk of kindness

By Erin Greig child so, for me, it was quite natu- pasteurised and screened for Communications manager ral to express that little bit extra blood borne diseases prior to for those who can’t. I’m just leaving the National Milk Bank. AN NHS Highland Breast Feed- pleased I was able to help.” Karen Mackay, NHS Highland ing Peer has spoken about her Breast milk is invaluable for infant feeding advisor, said: experience of donating breast babies, especially so if they are “Breastfeeding provides a baby milk to raise awareness of a sick or premature. It offers addi- with the very best start in life. service that is in high demand. tional benefits to these at risk ba- Every drop of milk is valuable and Ashley Cuthbert, from Inver- bies which formula milk is unable small or sick babies can benefit ness, recently donated breast to do. However, sometimes moth- from even the smallest quantities milk for the Scottish Breast Milk ers of these babies are unable to of breast milk due to their imma- Bank based in Glasgow and is feed them because they are ill ture digestive systems. keen that more women in High- themselves or not wanting to ex- “What Ashley has done is fan- land are aware that they too can press their own breast milk. Milk tastic and I hope it raises the make this donation. banks recruit breastfeeding moth- awareness of milk donation. It is She said: “I’m delighted I was ers to donate some of their sur- such an easy thing to do and can able to donate 147oz of breast plus breast milk or to regularly help so many babies.” milk this week. It did take me a express milk for the bank. To find out more about how to while to reach that figure but I’m Raigmore Hospital uses donor donate contact Do- so pleased that this miracle milk breast milk which it gets from the [email protected]. will be able to help tiny and National Breast Milk Bank in Information is also available at poorly babies around Scotland. Glasgow. Babies under 32 weeks www.onemilkbankforscotland.co. “It’s such an easy thing to do. at Raigmore can benefit from re- uk and on Facebook (search for I’m already breastfeeding my own ceiving donor breast milk which is One Milk Bank). - 12 - A&B’s lead nurse takes up new post as deputy director By Tom Davison Communications manager NHS HIGHLAND has appointed its lead nurse in Argyll and Bute to the new post of deputy director of nursing and midwifery. Pat Tyrrell, who took up the post earlier this month, will be succeeded as lead been in nursing since she be- nurse in Argyll and Bute by the Pat looks forward came a trainee nurse at the age clinical services manager for of 18. She originally trained in Bute, Liz Higgins. to influencing Manchester before moving to NHS Highland director of nurs- Dublin for two years. She then ing Heidi May said the board was future of nursing came to Scotland to do midwifery going through a period of un- training in Stirling and Falkirk, precedented changes, and the Pat had been lead nurse in and later completed health visitor new post gave Pat a real oppor- Argyll and Bute for 14 years, and training in what is now the Queen tunity to influence the future di- explained that, with the integra- Margaret University in Edinburgh rection of nursing and midwifery tion of health and social care in and district nurse training in Ham- in Highland. the area, she felt the time was ilton. “I’m delighted that Pat has right to hand over the reins. She worked for a spell as a been appointed to such an influ- “This is an exciting time for health visitor in Fife before mov- ential position,” she said. “Pat NHS Highland in Argyll and Bute ing to Kintyre, where she served brings a wealth of experience and and I am sure Liz will relish the as what is known as a ‘triple-duty enthusiasm to the job of leading, opportunity to take over what I nurse’ in Carradale. Her work in directing and promoting system- have always found to be a hugely remote and rural communities atic improvements to the quality rewarding and challenging job.” continued when she moved to of person-centred care through- Pat, who is from Co. Wicklow Orkney for two years. She then out NHS Highland.” in the Republic of Ireland, has Continued on next page - 13 - Deputy director of nursing and midwifery appointed

Continued from previous page -centred care that meets the and midwifery workforce planning needs of all those people who and development.” worked in Applecross for six use our services. Liz Higgins, who succeeds her years before moving to Argyll in She said: “Working with the in Argyll and Bute, will start her 1999 and being appointed lead executive nurse director this role new role on 1st June. She’s been nurse in Argyll and Bute in 2001. presents new and exciting oppor- clinical services manager for Bute Pat, who lives in Appin and tunities and challenges to deliver for two and a half years, and pre- whose husband Fedor Bunge the key priorities for NHS High- viously spent four years as prac- retired as a health visitor in 2013, land in improving the health out- tice development nurse across has a family of three: twin daugh- comes and care experience for Cowal and Bute and before that ters aged 25 and an 18-year-old people living in Highland and Ar- worked in a variety of clinical son. gyll and Bute. posts in Dunoon. A recent graduate of the na- “As well as providing profes- Liz lives in Dunoon and will tional NHS Scotland Delivering sional leadership and expert re- work from there in her new role. the Future Programme for strate- source for the whole board area, “I’m really looking forward to gic clinical leaders, Pat is pas- key elements of the role will focus it,” she said. “I hope to provide sionate about nurturing and de- on developing and implementing the professional leadership nec- veloping the nursing and mid- defined professional and health- essary to meet the opportunities wifery workforce to enable them care standards, robust systems the integration of health and adult to deliver the high-quality, person of quality assurance and nursing social care will present.” Service redesigns take steps forward By Tom Davison agement Group on 26th May and shop with Architecture and De- Communications manager will go before the full NHS High- sign Scotland. land board on 2nd June and, sub- This is to develop aspirations WORK is progressing on the ject to the board’s approval, the for the new facility and group redesign of services in two of Scottish Government’s Capital members were taken through a NHS Highland’s areas: Skye, Investment Group on 30th June. step-by-step process in which Lochalash & South West Ross, Current estimates are that they were asked to consider the and Badenoch & Strathspey. work could start on building a needs of people – both staff and In the latter, various commit- new facility in Aviemore – further the public – who will use it. tees are set to meet to consider work is still needed to determine The Design Statement forms an Initial Agreement document, the most suitable site and to pur- part of the Initial Agreement that the first of three documents re- chase that site – by July 2017, NHS Highland will submit to the quired as part of the Scottish with the new services in place by Scottish Government and will Capital Investment Manual busi- January 2019. also be the key briefing document ness case process and key to Meanwhile, in the case of for the architects who will design securing the necessary invest- Skye, Lochalsh & South West the new ‘hub’ facility, to be sited ment. Ross, the steering group working in Broadford. It is hoped that the The document was considered on the service review has held its Initial Agreement will go to the by NHS Highland’s Asset Man- second Design Statement work- NHS Highland board in August. - 14 - Caroline set to deliver food study findings … on a tray! YET another student dietitian from Robert Gordon University Student’s work has a UK-first to her name, af- has created interest ter completing a study asking if the colour of tray which food in role of dietitians is served on affects consump- tion in a care home setting. cation of patients at risk of malnu- “This was only a small-scale Caroline Heather, a BSc Nutri- trition or who require assistance pilot study,” she said. “However, I tion and Dietetic student, carried at meal times. Due to the in- am optimistic about the trends out her research at the Innis creased risk of malnutrition with which were identified and would Mhor care home in Tain as part age and the high prevalence of be eager to see further research of her honours degree. residents at risk on admission to in this area.” It is the first study of its kind in care homes; I decided to recruit Caroline added: “I am de- the UK, and follows hot on the participants from that setting.” lighted to have had the opportu- heels of her fellow alumnus, NHS Highland’s nutrition and nity to complete my research at Catherine Tosh, who was the first dietetics advisor for care homes, Innis Mhor. I recently presented student dietitian in the country to Evelyn Newman, organised and the results of my research project complete a placement in such an supported Caroline’s placement to the staff and residents, and environment. in the Innis Mhor care home, they expressed an interest in the In March, Caroline (pictured) which is a member of the Park- trends I identified. I now look for- carried out a part-time, three- lands Care Group. ward to completing my honours week pilot research project as This enabled Caroline to re- project and graduating from uni- part of her course. Her study had cruit 12 participants for her exer- versity in the coming months.” the title ‘Does using a red tray cise, and she focused on the Ms Newman commented: affect food consumption?’ three main meals to identify if “Robert Gordon University and I She explained: “Currently, little there was a difference between are very encouraged by the out- is known about the psychological the amount of food and fluid con- comes of this small study, and and subconscious effect of colour sumed when served on a red or are keen to develop this research on nutritional intake. A literature white tray. further in future with a larger review suggested conflicting evi- Trends emerged which dem- group of residents before we dence on the role of colour on onstrated an effect of tray colour draw any firm conclusions. reducing to stimulating dietary on food and fluid intake among “Caroline’s work at Innis Mhor intake in different populations. residents with varying body mass created a real interest in the role “Some parts of the NHS use index – and those living with de- of dietitians and lots of discussion red trays to assist in the identifi- mentia – at certain meal times. about the study she carried out.” - 15 - Using technology to enhance care

MORE people in Argyll and tres and community groups. The TEC project was launched Bute will have their health and This is being made possible at Arrochar last month, when social care monitored at home after Argyll and Bute Council and care providers from public, pri- through the use of new tech- NHS Highland secured funding of vate and voluntary organisations nology which will be developed £400,000 from the Scottish Gov- heard more about the funding to become the norm, providing ernment’s Technology Enabled award. 24-hour seven-days-a-week Care Development Programme. Argyll and Bute Council’s ex- access to services. The success of the grant applica- ecutive director of community During the next three years, tion rests with the commitment to services, Cleland Sneddon, said, the development of Technology support innovative telecare and “There were enthusiastic contri- Enabled Care (TEC) will increase telehealth services to Argyll and butions from all who attended the to include mobile phone apps, Bute’s most remote and isolated launch about how we deliver our instant messaging and access to communities. ambitions for technology enabled web-based resources. These will In Argyll and Bute, the chal- care across Argyll and Bute. help people to monitor their con- lenges of providing services to “The aim of this project is to ditions, enabling them to remain remote and rural communities transform provision of home care at home and in their communities have already embraced techno- as part of the Argyll and Bute while receiving the home and logical advances as the best way Health and Social Care Partner- health care they require. to support services across all ar- ship planning process by remov- Training in the use of the new eas. Despite issues with band- ing the barrier of distance in pro- technology-enabled care will be width in some areas the use of viding person centred care, giving provided to all the staff who will instant messaging, home moni- people a greater choice and con- be involved in the diagnosis and toring, web-based services such trol in health, care and wellbeing treatment of people at as Living it Up and Telecare have services.” home, including social work, proved successful and will be Christina West, chief officer of mental health services, dementia rolled out to provide direct con- the health and social care part- services, housing providers, care tact into people’s homes, comm- nership, said, “The technology homes, day centres, carers cen- unity groups and organisations. enabled care award is an exciting opportunity for us to build on our

current use of technology in Ar- gyll and Bute and to implement Course on facilitation planned new solutions to meet the chal- FOR anyone running a meeting or held in the board room at the lenge of delivering care in remote a group session, the art and craft John Dewar Building, Inverness, th and rural communities. of facilitation is an important part from 9am-5pm on 26 October. “An increased use of technol- of the necessary skill set. To book a place, contact Mar- A skilled facilitator is able to garet Wilson on 01463 706880 or ogy will allow us to provide set up, run and conclude a meet- [email protected]; for greater choice and control in ing so that the group has clear further information contact Mi- health and care services so that direction and feels supported. chelle Jeans on 01463 706857 or people can remain at home and A course of facilitation is to be [email protected] in their communities.” - 16 - Disclosure Highland rural checking

IN 2011, the Scottish Govern- ment introduced a new member- practitioner helps to ship scheme that replaced and improved on disclosure ar- rangements for people who work with vulnerable groups. national guidance The Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) helps to ensure that those who have on sports concussion regular contact with children and protected adults through paid or unpaid work (referred to By Tom Davison can be quickly recognised and as regulated work), do not have Communications manager managed effectively from the time a known history of harmful be- the injury occurred to a phased haviour. AN NHS Highland doctor has return to play.” The definition of a protected helped Scotland to become the The new guidance, with the tag adult is a person aged 16 years first country in the world to in- 'If in Doubt, Sit it Out', looks at or over who receives one or troduce standard guidelines for what concussion is and how to more types of care or welfare dealing with concussion in recognise it, as well as how to service either regularly or for a short period of time. sport. deal with it when it takes place The PVG scheme automati- Dr Jonathan Hanson, a rural and before the person involved cally updates a person’s mem- practitioner based on Skye, returns to active sport. bership record if any new con- served on the national working Among others who served on viction information arises from group which draw up the new the working group which drew up criminal justice systems and guidance, which was unveiled in the new guidelines were the Scot- non-conviction information held Glasgow earlier this month. tish Government's chief medical by police that is considered Dr Hanson served on the work- officer, leading medics and repre- relevant. ing group as a representative of sentatives of sportscotland and of Until now, it has only been a the Camanachd Association, of several of the governing bodies of requirement for new staff com- ing into NHS Highland, who which he is medical adviser. a range of sports, including work under this category, to be “There has long been confu- shinty. The guidance was registered onto the PVG sion on the management of con- launched at a Scottish sports and scheme. cussion, with individual sports exercise medicine symposium The Scottish Government having different policies,” said Dr held at Hampden Park. now requires that NHS Highland Hanson, who has long had an in- Now, Dr Hanson hopes to use undergoes retrospective check- terest in the subject. “Now, there the new guidelines to influence ing of the existing regulated is a single reference point in Scot- the emergency advice given to workforce which must be com- land for the diagnosis and man- NHS Highland patients following pleted by October 2015, and a agement of sports-related con- discussion to reflect what the rolling programme for these checks is now under way. cussion. This makes it easier for guidance recommends regarding Therefore all NHS Highland medics and for those taking part rehabilitation and a return to staff who undertake regulated in and organising sport.” sporting activity. work and who are not registered The guidance is intended for As well as his role with the Ca- onto the PVG scheme for NHS all sports, and is particularly de- manachd Association, Dr Hanson Highland will shortly receive signed for those occasions where is team doctor for the Scotland ’A’ a PVG disclosure application medics may not be present. rugby squad, resuscitation physi- pack to compete and return via Dr Hanson, who says he fre- cian for the Scotland rugby squad internal mail to Employment quently deals with sports concus- and doctor for the Team GB Services Department, John De- sion in his day-to-day work, mountain running squad. He was war Building, Inverness Retail Pack, Inverness, IV2 7GE. added: “There is a clear aim here: a member of the Team GB medi- helping to ensure that concussion cal team for the 2008 Olympics. - 17 - ROM Alaska to New Zealand, NHS High- land has scoured the globe for innovative Fways of delivering healthcare New rural in remote and rural areas. And it’s done so because it understands that people need to work together in multi- professional teams, and that support team there’s a need to move away from a reliance on doctors and to think about what skills profes- sionals need to work in remote and rural areas. a ‘virtual Professional isolation is a real issue for people and devel- oping a team approach is a good way of helping people to feel that they belong to some- network’ of thing bigger and are not alone. One of the results, then, has been the development of the still -growing rural support team: a pool of health and social care professionals who provide cover professionals where it’s needed in some of NHS Highland’s more remote also has a small number of ad- community nursing teams to and rural areas. vanced nurse practitioners, un- support community capacity for In only a few months, NHS scheduled care practitioners, anticipatory care, to provide ad- Highland has recruited a small and a growing band of health ditional clinical support that fa- group of people to what west and social care support workers cilitates early discharge from area manager Tracy Ligema (see next page). hospital and helps people to calls a “virtual network”. “It truly is a multi-disciplinary stay at home independently for “You are unlikely to get every team, with each member able to longer. They also provide front- member of the team in a room contribute a range of skills,” said line clinical responses out of together,” she said, “but they’re Tracy. “Together, they provide in hours, with remote GP support.” a team alright. Although they -hours GP primary care for sala- She continued: “For too long may be distributed across a ried practices – for example, by we have relied too heavily on large area and working in differ- supporting the Small Isles visit- one or two individuals in practice ent parts of that area, they are ing GP service and staffing the areas to deliver healthcare. The all part of the same team and practice at Acharacle – and pro- formation of the rural support link with each other daily, some- vide cover for annual leave, team is a recognition of the fact times by video-conferencing, for study leave, sickness, etc, in that working like that simply professional support. salaried GP practices. wasn’t sustainable. “Individuals within the team “The advanced nurse practi- “We need to have a long- may have a main base and work tioners and unscheduled care term and viable system that en- in other areas as required or practitioners in the team work sures people in remote and rural they may be fully rotational, rou- alongside the GPs to provide areas get the best possible tinely working across a number additional support and capacity health and social care, and we of different areas and bases.” in-hours, such as by holding believe that in developing this A handful of GPs have been joint clinics, working with the new team we are working to- appointed to the team, which Scottish Ambulance Service and wards that.”

- 18 - S one of 40 resi- dents of the tiny is- land of Muck, Julie McFadzean knows a Athing or two about living in a Mucking in remote and rural community. She’s also pretty well versed in medical matters, having worked as a nurse in Devon be- fore moving to the Small Isles 12 years ago. to support And both these attributes have made Julie a natural fit for the new role of rural health and social care support worker, set up as part of the rural support neighbours team being put together by NHS Highland. The new post was created specifically for the Small the island,” said Julie (47). “As a aged and owned by the indige- Isles as a means of developing former nurse I’m used to people nous people. Nuka used a net- community resilience: support- asking me for help with dress- work of community representa- ing local residents to take con- ings and so on, and that will be tives, and Julie will be fulfilling a trol of some of their own health the sort of thing I’ll be doing in similar role in her new post. and social care needs. this role with support from other She and her fellow support A small band of rural health members of the new team.” workers are receiving training and social care support workers Julie’s enthusiasm for helping for the job, which will involve have been appointed for the her community was given fresh tasks as varied as taking blood Small Isles, most of them resi- impetus when she went to samples to helping to bathe dents of the largest island, Eigg. Alaska with a small team from someone. But Julie also sees a “To be honest, I’ve been ful- NHS Highland last year. There, proactive aspect to the job, and filling that sort of role in an unof- she saw something of the Nuka hopes to deliver basic health ficial capacity since I came to system of care, created, man- education – on issues such as smoking, weight management and blood pressure – to resi- dents.

Being Here is busy online She added: “I think the crea- tion of these posts is a very THE dedicated website, http://nhshighland-rural.scot.nhs.uk/, which was set up under the ‘Being Here’ banner to promote detailing GP positive step for the islands’ vacancies, is proving to be an important tool, according to remote residents and for people thinking and rural programme manager Martine Scott. about moving to the islands. A Now, plans are in hand to develop the website further to make it lot of people might think twice the site of first choice for remote and rural recruitment in NHS High- about settling here when they land. It’s planned to include more information about posts and find out that the nearest doctor about the lifestyle in Highland, and to expand it to beyond GP va- is on Skye or the mainland, but cancies, taking in other medical professions. we are working towards deliver- What’s more, the programme now has its own Twitter page, ing care that should provide re- https://twitter.com/highlandrec1, and its own email address: assurance to people. nhshighland/[email protected] The ‘Being Here’ programme is finding on-line activity to be ex- “Another important facet of tremely useful, and is pointing people towards a blog, https:// these new posts is that they wheezlesandsneezles.wordpress.com/, where Dr Laura Cameron should help some islanders be posts her “adventures of two boys, a dog and a doctor in rural Scot- cared for at home, which can be land” (see next page). important to them but which has been difficult in the past.”

- 19 - IFE tends to be an adventure for a Ru- ral Fellow. You’ve just qualified as a Lgeneral practitioner and you It shouldn’t want to try something a bit different: working in a remote and rural community. You move to a practice, settle in an unfamiliar area that may well be greener and hillier happen to a than you’re used to, and find that for the first time in your life you are the doctor on whom your new neighbours may depend. There’s a book in there … rural GP somewhere – but in Dr Laura Cameron’s case, there’s a blog, Dr Laura ‘wheezles and sneezles’, in Cameron, which she writes about her new who has life and work in Tighnabruaich. set up a Dr Cameron (30) was living in blog to re- Edinburgh when she decided port on her she wanted to try for a Rural experi- Fellowship, and says she’s de- ences as a lighted to have been accepted relatively and to have settled – for a year new GP at least – in Argyll and Bute. practising “It’s been a great experience in a remote for me,” she said. “It’s been both and rural interesting and challenging, and area that’s what I’ve tried to get over in the blog.” Working from both the Kyles Medical Centre in Tighnabruaich and Cowal Community Hospital in Dunoon has given Dr Cam- eron a wealth of material for her blog, but so too has the life she, her husband and two-year-old son are forging in their new home. “I love it here,” said Dr Cam- eron. “I really didn’t fancy the idea of being an urban GP and all that means – being stressed and overworked. In a rural prac- tice you can spend more time things. “But more than that, you get with your patients, you have to “For example, the job here to be at the centre of the com- use your own initiative and you involves more acute medicine munity, which I think is a real get to do a lot more interesting than you’d see in a city. privilege.” You can view Dr Cameron’s blog at https://wheezlesandsneezles.wordpress.com/ - 20 - - 21 - NHS Highland joins research project to tackle Lyme disease

‘CITIZEN science’, state-of-the-art technology and funding from the European Space Agency are to combine in a project involving NHS European Space Highland to tackle tick bites and Lyme disease. At an event in the Centre for Health Science in Inverness earlier this month it was announced that Agency awards space agency had awarded €250,000 to a collabo- ration of researchers to test the feasibility of Lyme- Map, a phone app and web-based system that will funding for major help to identify tick hot-spots. Through LymeMap, information and advice on ticks and Lyme disease will be available to mem- research project bers of the public, healthcare professionals, tourist organisations and bodies working outdoors or pursuing leisure pur- By Tom Davison that employ people exposed to suits. Communications manager infected ticks also need a better The system will use GPS tech- tool for preventing the disease. nology to provide information on 10 years,” said Roger Evans, a “We believe that by using the a user’s location as well as de- clinical scientist with NHS High- latest technology and what’s tails such as the location’s height, land, one of the agencies collabo- commonly called citizen science temperature and ground cover. rating in the project. “If it is not we can create an interactive and The person will be able to upload diagnosed and treated properly, it accurate Lyme disease identifica- information on ticks and this – can lead to a severe and debili- tion and risk management sys- together with data from GPs and tating disease. tem.” NHS Highland’s National Lyme “Unfortunately, health organi- The one-year study will test Borreliosis Testing Laboratory at sations have limited effective the technical and commercial fea- Raigmore Hospital, Inverness – tools at their disposal to reduce sibility of LymeMap. If it is suc- will help to produce maps show- the incidence of Lyme disease. cessful, and subject to funding, ing where they are most preva- Resident and visiting populations the project is expected to move to lent. need an approach that will help a demonstrator phase before be- “Lyme disease is the most them prevent getting Lyme dis- ing commercialised. common vector-borne human ease and manage exposure to There are plans to extend the disease in the UK, and the num- ticks. From a health and safety system to other diseases that can ber of cases reported in Scotland and an economic point of view, has increased ten-fold in the past organisations and businesses Continued on next page - 22 - Lyme disease research project Continued from previous page be passed between animals and humans, as well as to other coun- tries, again if funds are made available. The European Space Agency funding has been secured by a collaboration of researchers led from Inverness and follows work facilitated by the Centre of Health Science to try to establish the true incidence of the disease in the Highlands and to look at new ways of tackling it. The LymeMap collaboration brings together a unique combi- nation of health, veterinary and academic researchers with sig- nificant expertise in Lyme bor- reliosis (Lyme disease). They come from:  The NHS Highland Na- tional Lyme Borreliosis Testing Laboratory at Raigmore Hospital. NHS Highland’s Research and Development Department, which in addition to project man- agement experience employs a primary care research co- ordinator working with 18 GP practices that have an interest in Lyme disease. The University of the High- lands and Islands Rural Health and Wellbeing research group, zoonotic disease research and stage of LymeMap. Avia-GIS which has expertise in community advanced skills in statistical mod- specialize in the development of engagement, community map- elling. spatial information systems for ping and participatory analysis of The collaboration has also diseas management and will be mapped data visualisations. The been working with two compa- in charge of conducting the eco- group will work with stakeholders nies: Environmental Research nomic and non-economic viability such as outdoor workers and lei- Group Oxford (ERGO) and Avia- analysis. sure users to ensure their needs GIS bvba Agriculture and Veteri- Further funding for the com- are met through LymeMap. nary Information and Analysis munity engagement part of the The Scottish Rural College (AVIA-GIS), from Belgium. ERGO project has been approved by the (SRUC) Veterinary Epidemiology specialise in the spatial modelling Robertson Trust and awarded to Research Unit at Drummond Hill, of vector-borne diseases and the the University of the Highlands Inverness. The unit has expertise development of satellite-derived and Islands. in endemic and epidemic disease environmental time series and  Lyme team planned: See control, field epidemiology, will develop the proof of concept next page. - 23 - Lochaber GP launching Lyme disease team

A LOCHABER GP who is on a mission to raise awareness of Lyme disease is setting up a group of interested bodies in Lochaber to feed information into the LymeMap project (see previous page). Right: Dr Jim Dr Jim Douglas, of Tweeddale Douglas, of Medical Practice in Fort William, Tweeddale Medical has been working for some time Practic, who has to spread the word on the dis- long had an inter- est in Lyme dis- ease. ease and raising Last year, he gathered a group awareness of ticks of interested parties, such as people and organisations who disseminate information on the the seminar also featured a range work outdoors, visitors and local disease and help it to map Lyme of speakers, including a farmer businesses to meet and take part hot-spots. who spoke of his experience of in an ongoing Google group dis- He also hopes to produce having Lyme disease. cussion, which he called small video clips with information Dr Douglas talked about how ‘Lochaber Tick Talks’. on Lyme disease and how to he has seen Lyme disease be- Now, the GP is setting up a avoid it, and featuring first-hand come more prevalent in his 35 reference group made up of rep- testimony by patients of Lyme years in medicine, but stressed resentatives of local organisa- disease. that people should nevertheless tions and of people who have or Dr Douglas was one of the not be put off going out into the have had Lyme disease. speakers at a seminar held in the countryside. Dr Douglas hopes the group Centre for Health Science in In- “My message is that the bene- will meet periodically during the verness earlier this month to fits in terms of health and wellbe- pilot phase of the LymeMap pro- raise public awareness of Lyme ing of going out and taking some ject, and will share and provide disease and to announce the form of exercise in the Great Out- information which will help the launch of LymeMap. doors far outweigh the risks of team behind the new technology Organised by NHS Highland, getting Lyme disease,” he said. Views sought on greenspace improvements PLANS are being worked up to make improvements www.surveymonkey.com/s/G9VXKJ7, and inter- to the green space surrounding New Craigs Hospi- ested NHS Highland employees are being urged to tal in Inverness. contribute. And views are being sought from NHS Highland The green spaces at New Craigs are seen as staff on what shape the improvements would take. important to patients, staff and visitors, and it’s Opinions are being gathered online, at https:// hoped the changes will reflect that. - 24 - - 25 - Chronic pain service in north being redesigned

CLINICAL staff working in sec- ment service can offer as many cation session shortly after they ondary care, excluding those patients expect that we are a are referred, if their health condi- in Argyll and Bute, who make curative service. Unfortunately tion allows). referrals to the North Highland this is an unreal expectation for To facilitate this change all NHS chronic pain management patients with a long term non- new referrals will be from primary service are being advised that malignant chronic pain condition. care via SCI-Gateway system the service is being redes- To give patient self-help tech- only and secondary care referrals igned. niques earlier in their manage- will not be accepted as from 1st As part of the redesign educa- ment. June. tion sessions are being lined up To manage the rising amount There will be a six-month trial for patients when they are first of referrals (as the service was period to assess the effect this referred to the service prior to planned for 400 new referrals and may have on our primary care their initial telephone consulta- is currently receiving 850 new colleagues. All other treatments tion. referrals a year) and management offered in this The main reasons for the re- To manage the rising number service will remain the same and design are: of patients that do not attend their it has been stressed that this is To help patients understand appointments not a withdrawal of a service. why their condition is unlikely to Chronic pain management Patient information leaflets for respond to surgical/medical treat- sessions will be held patients have been designed to ment. in Inverness, Fort William and be given at out-patient clinics or To help patients understand Caithness. All patients will at- hospital. These will be available what the chronic pain manage- tend a chronic pain service edu- in out-patients departments and the intranet (shared clinical guidelines under chronic pain). It’s suggested that when a Services on the move hospital consultant decides a pa- tient may require input from the chronic pain management service during hospice work at North NHS Highland they ex- plain to the patient that they are HIGHLAND Hospice is undertaking a major rebuild of its current in- not able to offer a surgical or patient unit and a refurbishment of its day therapy centre. medical solution and that long And for 12-14 months the in-patient unit will be decanted to Fyrish term management of their pain is Ward at Invergordon Community Hospital, while the day therapy service now required. Understandably, will be run from premises at Cradlehall Business Park. this is difficult as patients with NHS Highland staff are being advised that there will be a period of chronic non-malignant pain find it restricted admissions for in-patient care leading up to the decant, due th difficult to understand and accept. to take place during the week beginning 8 June, and potentially for a It’s also suggested that pa- short period after the move. The number of in-patient beds at Fyrish will remain the same as the tients should be given an infor- current provision. mation leaflet and that it should Telephone advisory services will continue as before and there may be explained to them that if they be an opportunity to extend services in home visiting should this be wish to be seen by the chronic needed. pain management service they The referral processes for all services will remain unchanged and would need to discuss this with contact phone numbers will be as they are currently. their GP. - 26 - Ann’s appeal

By Tom Davison Communications manager Director’s call AN NHS Highland director is to front a national appeal on be- to back trust half of the organisation which funded her travelling scholar- in India has had a “profound ef- there. Last year, she completed ship to India. fect on many people”, and helped an MSc in Dementia. Ann is also Ann Pascoe, a non-executive her to raise the profile of demen- a trustee of the Life Changes board member, became a Fellow tia in Scotland and far beyond. Trust, a £50 million initiative set of the Winston Churchill Memorial In India, Ann investigated how to transform the lives of people Trust in 2012, when she went to a grassroots home care project with dementia and their carers, India with the trust’s support to worked to reduce the burden on and young people who are in the research dementia awareness in carers, promote their mental process of leaving care. rural communities. health and reduce behavioural Ruth Mantle, Alzheimer Scot- Ann, who lives in Portgower in problems in dementia patients. land dementia nurse consultant Sutherland, has long had an in- A member of the National De- with NHS Highland, is herself a terest in dementia, her husband mentia Carers Action Network, Churchill fellow, and later this Andrew having been diagnosed Ann became a founder director of year will follow up a recent study with the condition in 2006. East Sutherland Dementia trip in Australia with one in the And she is to present a mov- Friendly Communities in 2012. United States. ing and personal account of her This organisation now has nu- She said: “I know from per- husband’s illness in a national merous partners, sharing a vision sonal experience the value of appeal for funds for the trust. of transforming Ann’s home area Churchill fellowships. But I also The appeal will be broadcast into a dementia-friendly one. Ann know how the fellowship has on BBC Radio 4 on 31st May at also serves on the Prime Minis- helped Ann to help so many peo- 7.55am and 9.26pm, and again ter’s rural dementia communities ple. Her story shows that the on 4th June at 3.27pm. task and finish group. benefits of a fellowship can con- The Winston Churchill Memo- In 2013, she accepted an invi- tinue long after the actual study rial Trust awards fellowships to tation from the British Council to trip. Ann is a truly inspirational people to travel overseas and give presentations on dementia person – and I hope that through bring back knowledge for the to conferences in Japan and to this appeal she inspires others to benefit of others. learn about rural group housing support the work of the trust.” In caring for her husband, Ann felt she had little understanding of the challenges and stigma sur- rounding dementia, and there was limited support available to her. Deciding to do something to address the situation, she applied for a Churchill Fellowship. “It was my Churchill Fellow- ship that gave me confidence and authority,” said Ann (69), “and it was the first step to achieving things I didn’t dare believe were possible.” The trust says Ann’s research - 27 - From supporting to leading the delivery of care

IN April, NHS Highland saw cal colleagues. What is most its very first home-grown important to Tina is to deliver a staff nurse become a hospi- The story of high standard of nursing care tal senior charge nurse. to all patients and ensure that Tina Watt began her nursing one nurse in the nursing team are supported life as a nursing care assistant in being confident and compe- in Mid Argyll Hospital Lochgil- Argyll & Bute tent practitioners. phead in January 1990. At this Pat Tyrrell, deputy director stage, her husband Donald Tina applied, was inter- of nursing and midwifery for worked as an ambulance tech- viewed and secured a place in NHS Highland, said that Tina’s nician in Lochgilphead and the the first cohort of staff to under- appointment to the senior couple went on to have two take the programme. Despite charge nurse role in Campbel- sons, Cameron and Gordon. her anxiety and apprehension town Hospital is a great acco- Tina loved her job and got at taking on the programme lade for both Tina and also for tremendous satisfaction from with two young children she the Open University pro- caring for patients and being stuck with it and graduated as gramme. It proves that NHS part of the team in Mid Argyll a registered nurse in 2007. Highland can develop its own Hospital. She thought that she Since then Tina has gone staff as senior practitioners to would continue to work as a from strength to strength. After deliver high quality services in care assistant well into the fu- securing a post as a staff nurse our hospitals and our communi- ture, although sometimes she Tina went on to gain a BSc in ties. It also shows that profes- got frustrated with not having nursing studies with a focus on sional and career development the training and the ability to cardiac care. She has attended takes place in remote and rural make decisions about patient’s the Scottish Parliament in Edin- areas and illustrates what is and family’s care needs. burgh to deliver a speech on possible for those who wish to In 2003, Argyll and Bute the Open University pro- live and work in their local com- signed up to the Open Univer- gramme and the difficulties in munities. sity pre-registration nursing recruiting staff to remote and training programme. This rural areas. She was invited by NYONE who is interested meant that, for the first time in the then Prime Minister, A in finding out more about the area, nursing assistants Gordon Brown, to attend an the Open University pre- were given the opportunity to evening reception in 10 Down- registration nursing programme train to become registered ing Street to talk about her ex- should contact Stephen Loch at nurses in their workplace. Tina periences. [email protected] or visit the saw the possibilities to develop Tina has developed in confi- Open University website at her role and to become what dence and ability as a staff http://www.open.ac.uk/health- she had never believed possi- nurse and is held in high regard and-social-care/main/study-us/ ble – a registered nurse. by both her nursing and medi- nursing/pre-registration-nursing

- 28 - How patient was touched by the personal touch... By Erin Greig due to get her second cataract “She was afraid posting it out Communications manager operation which she was very would take too long and, as the anxious about. She suffers from prescription would have to be or- THE personal touch from an glaucoma and has impaired eye- dered in specially, she wanted to Inverness-based consultant is sight as a result of all of this. make sure I had it in plenty of the subject of the March High- Her operation was scheduled time before my operation. land Quality Award (HQA). for a Monday so she was very “I could not believe that she Dr Jane Mackinnon, consult- surprised when Dr Mackinnon would go to so much trouble but I ant ophthalmologist based at turned up at her door the Tues- could not be more delighted at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, day before with her prescription. the person-centred care and was nominated for an HQA by a She said: “I couldn’t believe it thoughtfulness shown by Dr grateful patient for going above when I opened the door and saw Mackinnon. I was more than and beyond the call of duty. Dr Mackinnon standing there with happy to nominate her for this Evelyn Chalmers had been my prescription. award and am pleased she won.” DO you know anyone, or any team, deserving of a Highland Quality Speaking after receiving her Award? Nominations can be submitted by staff, patients, carers and award from NHS Highland chair the wider public for an individual or team employed by NHS High- Garry Coutts, Dr Mackinnon was land, or working as part of the wider NHS. quick to play down what she did. The award reflects on an individual or team who has demon- She said: “I wouldn’t say I did strated actions and behaviours which epitomise everything about anything special but I am happy the Highland Quality Approach. that I was able to allay her anxi- While all members of staff strive to do a great job and provide ety about her operation. outstanding care and compassion on a daily basis, the award re- “It wasn’t just me who was in- flects actions and behaviours that demonstrate quality improve- cluded in the care, she was seen ment, or where individuals or teams have gone out of their way to provide quality care, in support of the Highland Quality Approach. by a number of colleagues includ- Nominations should be made to: Highland Quality Awards, NHS ing nursing, medical and theatres Highland, Assynt House, Beechwood Park, Inverness, IV2 3BW, or and I am happy to accept this by e-mail to [email protected] award on behalf of the whole de- partment.” - 29 - Putting Highland on map with bowel cancer screening

THROUGHOUT April, people vanced teaching days on the aged between 50 and 74 across QUOTE European workshops especially the country were encouraged rewarding, as I and my interna- to complete a bowel cancer tional faculty colleagues get to screening test kit. I am very proud see difficult cases and talk them And though Bowel Cancer to put Scotland — through with each other in real Screening Awareness Month is time. We are all learning each now over, the importance of early and Highland and every day.” detection cannot be understated. He is keen to emphasise the The emphasis on early detec- in particular — importance of being able to offer tion has very much been placed this technique as an alternative to on colonoscopy and radiology at the forefront the colonoscopy, especially for tests. But over the past decade, of this cases where it is difficult. there has been significant work Dr Eason emphasised the im- on a new, less invasive tests us- technique portance of a team approach in ing CT scanners. such cases where radiologists, Numerous studies show that in pathologists, GPs, medical doc- an experienced radiologist’s gion,” he said. tors and surgeons work together hands, the detection of relevant “I am very keen to put Scot- to get the best answer for the pa- polyps (or bumps in the colon land – and Highland in particular tient. wall) as well as more advanced – at the forefront of this technique “It is crucial that close and tumours, is every bit as effective and develop a leading training strong links with the GPs, gastro- as traditional colonoscopy. programme for NHS radiology enterology and colorectal surgical NHS Highland consultant radi- colleagues.” colleagues are nurtured early on ologist Dr David Eason has been Dr Eason is to launch the first in the process. This is vital for developing and performing the CT colonoscopy workshop to be feedback and service improve- CT colonoscopy service to a level based within Scotland next win- ments, but also – critical now that has seen him invited as a ter, and is hoping to hand on more than ever – with the in- trainer and lecturer on both UK some experience and help to in- creasing number of cases being and international workshops. crease the capacity of the CT put forward off the back of the “I am very proud to have been colonoscopy radiology reporting screening programme. able to drive my enthusiasm in service by making more NHS ra- “I am very lucky to have such this topic and help refine the diologists comfortable and confi- a fantastic team here in Highland. technique and practice, and bring dent with the technique. The aim is for early detection and it back to my local Highland re- He said: “I have found the ad- curative treatment.”

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SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB NEWS What’s your

THE Highland Health Sports and Social Club, based at story? Keep Raigmore, has a range of exercise classes for June. On Mondays from 5.30-6pm, there will be Metafit classes with Ewan (£4, free to members), and on Tuesdays from 5.30-6.30pm there will be Kettlercise Highlights with Katey (£4). Wednesdays will see Zumba classes from 6-7pm (£4, free to members), beginners’ salsa classes from 7 informed -8pm (3) and improvers’ salsa classes from 8-9pm (£5). There will be Yoga-fit classes with Deborah on Do you know of something Thursdays from 5.30-6.30pm (£5). On Friday 26th June 2, there will be a Latin dance you think should be featured party in the Rec Hall in aid of Children with Cancer. Tickets are £5 on the door. Contact Jermaine on in Highlights? An award, an 07803706842 for details. achievement, a piece of re- Winners of the club’s May prize draw were: 1 (35) Marion Nicolson, system specialist IT; 2 (£25) Alexan- search, an appointment, a dria Dunn, theatres; 3 (£25) Penny Barber, Scotia retiral … you name it, High- Court. lights has a place for it. Please send your articles f o r Highlights t o [email protected] (01463 704903) or visit the Staff Dropbox on the NHS High- land intranet home page. You can follow NHS Highland on:

WEBSITE www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ NHSHighland

TWITTER www.twitter.com/NHSHighland or @NHSHighland

- 31 - New service set up to help adults with mental ill-health

By Andrew Devlin Communications manager

A NEW service has been estab- lished to help adults with men- tal ill-health remain in or find new employment. A vocational support team will be based in Wick and Inverness and will offer one-to-one support to help people achieve their goals, and offers a tailored ap- proach to suit individual needs. Team manager Heather Jappy said: “The vocational support team replaces Training and Guid- ance Highland (TAG) and is now port to access community activi- people are supported to attend. fully funded by NHS Highland. ties or work experience. “This has the advantage of “There have been several sub- “However, clients cannot be removing the dependency that tle changes to how we work, such with vocational support indefi- the training centre created for as supporting people with mental nitely. Progress is monitored and users. ill-health to remain in employment people are supported to be able “Closer working links with or- and the upper age limit (65) being to self-sustain activities.” ganisations have been formed. removed, but we feel this method Partnership working will be For example, our north team of working offers more flexibility key in this process, and working works from the Department of and enables us to sustain pro- with other agencies and identify- Work and Pensions one day a gress with our service users. ing community supports for cli- week, and the south team works “The ethos of this project is to ents is crucial. from the Cantraybridge College offer one-to-one support to help Heather added: “Previously, to provide a digital photography people achieve their goals. In the TAG – which ran for over two course. past, our staff at TAG worked decades – had bases all over “Some of our other partner with groups of eight people at any Highland, including Wick, Gol- agencies include the Highland one time. We now offer personal spie, Inverness, Nairn and Por- Council Employability services, development plans which identify tree. These centres offered peo- Skills Development Scotland, Ca- goals, barriers and what support ple training on validated SQA pability Scotland and a host of we can put in place. courses in basic skills such as voluntary organisations. “The north team will cover communication, numeracy and “We will hold launch days in Wick and Thurso and the south IT. Inverness on 22nd June at the team will support those living in “People could vary the time Rowans Unit at New Craigs Hos- Inverness, Nairn and East and they came into the units depend- pital and in Thurso on 24th June Mid Ross. ing on their needs. However, due at the Dunbar Centre, both be- “The goals and levels of sup- to loss of funding, these centres tween 11am and 2pm, to ensure port people require are varied: were no longer financially viable. that health professionals are some will require help with em- The removal of these centres al- aware of the change in service, ployment, voluntary work or train- lows us to outsource training and to promote the valuable work ing; and some might need sup- within the local communities, and that we do.” - 32 - GP calls it a day — so NHS Highland will step in AFTER 19 years of service as services. Medical cover at the vices. Key to this will be linking the single-handed GP in weekend is already provided by GPs and other healthcare profes- Durness, Dr Alan Belbin has an- NHS Highland’s out-of-hours ser- sionals to work more closely as nounced that he plans to retire on vice with a GP based in part of other teams. 30th June. Kinlochbervie and so Dr Belbin’s Area manager Bob Silverwood This means that as from 1st retirement will not affect weekend said: “It’s important that we work July it will be the responsibility of arrangements. together to look at future models. NHS Highland to ensure The discussion with the com- We need to be as flexible as pos- that the 294 patients registered in munity council focused on the sible and work closely with the Durness have access to medical efforts being undertaken by NHS Scottish Ambulance Service, the services. Representatives of Highland to improve the recruit- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service NHS Highland have met Durness ment and retention of GPs as and local groups to come up with Community Council to discuss well as the need to look at differ- a model that will work for the what this might mean for local ent ways of providing some ser- people of Durness.” Thinking about retiring? Then advice is at hand FORWARD planning is advis- their lifestyle and their finances, Ground Floor, Phase 1, Centre able when making any major and the most appropriate ways to for Health Sciences, Inverness; change and retirement is no deal with them; and hopefully dis- 3rd July in the Training Room, In- exception. pel some of the myths. vergordon Community Hospital; NHS Highland is therefore They will consider a wide 9th September in Room JO3-JO7, making available a new service to range of retirement-related mat- Mid Argyll Community Hospital, support and guide those who are ters, including tips on how to Lochgilphead; 25th November in considering what retirement make sure your assets go to the Library, Fort William Health might mean to them. those you choose, that you don’t Centre; 20th January 2016 in the This service will be provided pay more tax than you need to, Conference Room, Caithness through workshops which are de- as well as a basic understanding General Hospital, Wick; and the signed to raise awareness of the of investment strategies for those Board Room, John Dewar Build- key issues employees will need in retirement and how to reduce ing, Inverness. to consider, and decisions they investment risk. In addition the The Highland Partnership Fo- will need to make, as they begin workshop will explain occupa- rum has agreed that these work- to approach this new stage in tional and state pension entitle- shops would need to be held in their life. ments and the decisions people employees’ own time, so annual The workshops are suitable for will need to make in respect of leave, TOIL or flexi-time will need those who think they might like to how they wish to draw their pen- to be taken to attend. retire within the next couple of sion benefits. The minimum number of atten- years or so, and are just as valu- To book a place contact dees at each workshop will be able for those who are not sure Jeanne Hornby by email, in the 10; the maximum 20/25 depend- yet what age they wish to retire, first instance, at ing on the venue. Priority will be as well as those who have a defi- [email protected] or on given to those who are retiring nite age in mind. 01463 706874. within 18 months. Lunch will not It will help employees to un- Workshops, which run from be provided but teas and coffees derstand more clearly the 9.30am-4pm, will be held on 23rd will be laid on at 10.45am and changes they will face in both June in Classroom 2 (W/012), 2.45pm. - 33 - Highland Health Sciences Library

White ladies on green bikes, vengeful vegans and tiller tales – library expands its collection

By Rob Polson Subject librarian, Highland Health Sciences Library ([email protected])

A WEE bit of history – When the library was located in the old Postgraduate Medical Cen- tre/College of Nursing building there was enough room to hold some fiction material. However, as space de- creased this collection unfortu- nately had to be removed. When we moved into the new Centre for Health Science in ABOVE: Our cosy old place 2006 we had a LEFT: Our new Honesty Li- large section of brary section rolling stacks housing our pa- as long as you wish. There is per journals col- no need to issue the items but lection. please bring them back to us However, for other readers to look at. since 2006 journals have in- Works stocked in the new We also welcome any dona- creasingly moved towards elec- area include classics such as tions you may have so we can tronic versions, making some of David Copperfield, contempo- build up this part of our service this space redundant. rary works such as The White to you. Library users often asked do Woman on the Green Bicycle, Remember, whatever your we stock fiction books so the biographies such as Bradley needs the Highland Health Sci- library service has decided to Wiggins: my time, cookbooks – ences Library exists to help use this demand and the free Vegan with a Vengeance and you. Don’t spend more than 10 space to house a collection of local reads – Tales from the minutes on a problem you may non-clinical reading materials. Tiller. be having – contact the library. The section is divided into three This section of the library To find out more about the areas: fiction, non-fiction and operates on an honesty princi- library and its many services quick reads. ple. You can borrow items for call 01463 255600 (x7600).

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Q &A Karen Mackay, Inverness- based infant feeding advi- sor, answers the questions

What’s your job description? And what about your favourite book? My official title is NHS Highland lead for infant Anything by Jilly Cooper. feeding from pregnancy, breast and formulas feeding and weaning. My role involves lots of If you won £10 million on the lottery, what things, from strategic – i.e. policies, guidelines, would you spend it on? parent information and staff training – to clinical I would make sure my family were spoilt, and I involvement. would definitely do something for the Highland Hospice, as they mean a huge amount to my fam- How would you describe yourself? ily and friends. Mad! I would hope people would say that I am open and friendly. What if you won a smaller sum in the lottery, say £1,000? Hobbies and Interests? I would probably go shopping – my all-time fa- My hobbies mainly revolve around my two teen- vourite hobby! agers. Their hobbies have drawn me in! For ex- ample, my daughter is very keen on drama and What are your pet hates? dance, and last year I sourced all the men’s cos- People with poor dental hygiene. tumes for their production of West Side Story. I’ve been promoted to assistant director for this year’s If you could have dinner with three people, showing of Oliver at Eden Court in August. dead or alive, who would they be and what would you cook them? What was the first single you ever bought? Keith Lemon, Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand – Prince Charming by Adam Ant. I like a good laugh! I would cook my speciality: chicken stuffed with haggis, wrapped in Parma What is your favourite food? ham with peppercorn sauce. Scampi and chips – classy, I know! What are the best and worst parts of your job? Your favourite film? The best part are the people I work with: patients, Pulp Fiction. staff, the wonderful volunteers who work for us and the school kids we teach. The worst is trying Favourite TV programme? to juggle time in a part-time role and prioritise the The Good Wife or Game of Thrones. work.

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